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Trim Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Associate Trim Developer

Carlsbad, CA · On-site

$70K - $89K/yr

As the Associate Trim Developer your raw material background and knowledge will help bring Vuori Designs to life. Your knowledge will be utilized to develop trend right, industry leading trims and ...

Associate Trim Developer

Carlsbad, CA · On-site

$70K - $89K/yr

As the Associate Trim Developer your raw material background and knowledge will help bring Vuori Designs to life. Your knowledge will be utilized to develop trend right, industry leading trims and ...

Represent Exterior Trim Engineering with the plant team during launch, maintaining strong inter-departmental relationships amongst the other teams. * Apply broad engineering knowledge and expertise ...

Manager - Paint and Trim

Dearborn, MI · On-site

$120 - $190/hr

As a manager in design fabrication, you will lead a strong, cross functional team of prototype technologists, trim developers and vehicle paint technologists to bring concepts to life in the form of ...

New

Represent Exterior Trim Engineering with the plant team during launch, maintaining strong inter-departmental relationships amongst the other teams. * Apply broad engineering knowledge and expertise ...

Engineering Manager - Trim Minimum 5 Years experience in Engineering Management Venteon is currently seeking an experienced Engineering Manager to fill a opening with a Tier 1 manufacturing company ...

Engineering Manager - Trim Minimum 5 Years experience in Engineering Management Venteon is currently seeking an experienced Engineering Manager to fill a opening with a Tier 1 manufacturing company ...

Work experience as Trim Engineer or Pattern Designer * Previous Leather Manufacturing Experience Equal Opportunity Employer Lear Corporation is committed to fair, merit-based employment practices and ...

Work experience as Trim Engineer or Pattern Designer * Previous Leather Manufacturing Experience Equal Opportunity Employer Lear Corporation is committed to fair, merit-based employment practices and ...

Professional Engineer - #2877

Gaylord, MI

$74K - $99K/yr

Wade Trim is committed to maximizing the value of infrastructure investments. We've been solving ... engineering challenges for a century. We customize our work approach to fit each project using a ...

Leveraging your expertise in automotive design/engineering and prototyping techniques you will have ... Trim * Lead a team of prototype technologists to deliver high fidelity physical prototypes on time ...

Work experience as Trim Engineer or Pattern Designer * Previous Leather Manufacturing Experience Equal Opportunity Employer Lear Corporation is committed to fair, meritbased employment practices and ...

Showing results 21-40

Trim Engineer information

What is a trim engineer?

Trim Engineers are professionals in the automotive or aerospace industries who specialize in designing, developing, and overseeing the installation of interior and exterior trim components of vehicles or aircraft. Their responsibilities include selecting materials, ensuring proper fit and finish, and collaborating with other engineering teams to meet safety, aesthetic, and functional standards. They play a key role in enhancing customer comfort, vehicle ergonomics, and overall product quality.

What are some common challenges faced by trim engineers during the vehicle development process?

Trim Engineers often encounter challenges such as balancing design aesthetics with manufacturability and cost targets, ensuring material durability, and meeting stringent safety and comfort standards. Coordinating closely with design, manufacturing, and quality teams is essential, especially when integrating new materials or features into interiors. Additionally, managing supplier timelines and navigating changes in project specifications can require strong project management and communication skills.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a trim engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Trim Engineer, you need expertise in automotive design, materials engineering, and manufacturing processes, often supported by a degree in mechanical or automotive engineering. Familiarity with CAD software (such as CATIA or Siemens NX), PLM systems, and industry-specific quality standards is typically required. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication help you excel in cross-functional teams and manage complex design iterations. These skills ensure the development of high-quality, functional, and aesthetically pleasing interior and exterior vehicle components that meet safety and cost requirements.

What is the difference between Trim Engineer vs Structural Engineer?

AspectTrim EngineerStructural Engineer
Primary FocusDesign and installation of interior and exterior trim componentsDesign and analysis of building structures like beams, columns, and frameworks
Required CredentialsTypically requires a degree in civil or mechanical engineering, certifications in construction or carpentryRequires a degree in civil or structural engineering, PE license often preferred
Work EnvironmentConstruction sites, manufacturing plants, interior design projectsArchitectural firms, construction sites, engineering consulting
Industry UsageConstruction, carpentry, interior finishingConstruction, infrastructure, building design

While both roles are involved in construction projects, a Trim Engineer specializes in trim components and finishing details, whereas a Structural Engineer focuses on the integrity and safety of building frameworks. Understanding these differences helps in selecting the right professional for specific project needs.

More about Trim Engineer jobs

What cities are hiring for Trim Engineer jobs?

Cities with the most Trim Engineer job openings:

What states have the most Trim Engineer jobs?

States with the most job openings for Trim Engineer jobs include:

Infographic showing various Trim Engineer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

Design Release Engineer- Soft Trim

ALTEN Technology USA

Long Beach, CA • On-site

$120K - $140K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 16 days ago


Job description

Role Overview

You will be a key contributor within a world-class automotive interior trim engineering team, responsible for the development and delivery of soft interior trim components. This role focuses on material engineering, surface application, detail design, and launch execution, working closely with design, color and materials, vehicle engineering, and supplier partners to deliver premium interior solutions from concept through production.

Key Responsibilities

  • Contribute to the development of high-quality soft interior trim components delivering on luxury, tactile feel, craftsmanship, safety, ergonomics, and long-term durability
  • Lead or support the engineering, packaging, release, and launch of soft trim components including wrapped panels, seat surrounds, soft-touch IP skins, armrests, and textile-based liners
  • Translate interior design and CMF intent into production-feasible, manufacturable soft trim constructions that maintain design fidelity through tooling and process variation
  • Define and manage material and construction specifications including substrate, foam, skin, and adhesive systems; oversee layered construction feasibility
  • Manage component-level DFMEA, DVPR, boundary diagrams, and robustness checklists through design and release milestones
  • Work cross-functionally with CMF, design, vehicle engineering, manufacturing, purchasing, and program teams to maintain craftsmanship intent and timing
  • Collaborate closely with soft trim suppliers to ensure process capability, grain and texture consistency, cost targets, and on-time delivery
  • Support durability and environmental testing validation including UV resistance, thermal cycling, abrasion, and seam strength
  • Perform and support DFM assessments for slush molding, vacuum forming, sewing and bonding operations, and related soft trim processes
  • Support prototype builds, buck reviews, and resolution of surface, seam, and texture quality findings
  • Apply and continuously improve engineering tools, methods, and best practices to support accelerated product development

Required Qualifications

  • 4+ years' experience in automotive soft interior trim engineering (wrapped panels, soft IP, door armrests, textile liners, etc.)
  • Strong understanding of soft trim material systems, manufacturing processes (slush molding, vacuum forming, sewing, lamination), and DFM principles
  • Proficiency in CATIA V5/V6 or equivalent CAD tools for surface definition and packaging
  • Experience supporting vehicle or product launches, including supplier readiness and pre-production build support
  • Familiarity with DFMEA, DVPR, and soft trim quality documentation processes

Nice to Have / Advantageous

  • Ownership of at least one full program lifecycle from concept through SOP
  • Experience in a fast-paced OEM or startup EV environment
  • Deep knowledge of soft trim construction methods including grain tooling, hide matching, sewing patterns, and foam tuning for tactile performance
  • Understanding of material aging, light fastness, and chemical resistance requirements per OEM specifications
  • Experience with CMF alignment process including grain sampling, color approval, and texture sign-off
  • Knowledge of airbag deployment zones and seamless airbag door integration within soft trim assemblies
  • Hands-on, practical engineering mindset with strong attention to surface quality and material behavior
  • Excellent communication skills with the ability to work across design studios, CMF teams, and Tier 1 and Tier 2 suppliers
  • Passion for craftsmanship and premium interior material execution

Salary Range: $120,000-$140,000/K

The actual salary offered is dependent on various factors including, but not limited to, location, the candidate's combination of job-related knowledge, qualifications, skills, education, training, and experience